Finding an Existential Ethic Essay

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Finding an Existential Ethic

Existential philosophy is subject to a single, seemingly debilitating criticism: it comprises a frame of mind rather than a theory. As Mary Warnock argues in her book Existentialist Ethics, "It seems that to be attracted by Existentialism is to be attracted by a mood. When it comes to serious thought, one may find . . . that it is necessary to cast off the mood and start again" (57). The focus of the existentialist is on the individual, existing being. By nature, the subject of existentialism appears incommunicable. It demands that each individual come to an understanding of the inwardness of self independently. This inwardness is not a state which can be achieved, but a process of constantly coming…show more content…

These foundations of existentialism can be translated into an existential theory of ethics which holds at its center the tenet that all beings must be free in order to posses the essence of being. From this concept come the dictates of an existential ethic. The first and most vital of these dictates is the idea of personal commitment. Existential commitment requires constant thought, expression, and action to develop personal essence. It is a dynamic and constant reaffirmation of personal faith; of coming to be. Faith is the simplest example of existential action. Kierkegaard explores faith through his discussion of Christianity. In his philosophy, Kierkegaard maintains that Christian faith or "inwardness" must constitute a state of continual reaffirmation of belief. Faced with the knowledge that Christianity provides no secure argument for the existence of God, the believer must make a choice to believe despite the irrationality of such a decision. Christian commitment is personal, passionate, and demands constant reconsideration and reaffirmation. It is a dynamic, rather than a passive belief. Kierkegaard writes: Without risk there is no faith. Faith is precisely the contradiction between the infinite passion of inwardness and objective uncertainty. If I can grasp God objectively, I do not believe, but because I cannot know God objectively, I must

Contrast and compare CBT and Existential therapy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy or CBT is representative of the integration of behavioural therapy and cognitive therapy. It encourages the empowerment of an individual to be able to change how they think (cognitive) and how awareness of particular problematic patterns may impact upon our consequent responses (behaviour) (R ch7). Pivotal to our understanding of such mental health problems from a CBT perspective is Beck’s ‘Cognitive theory of emotion’…

a cathartic moment in which the writer anticipates. More importantly, the idea of existentialism is seen in almost all of the great tragedies and rightfully has a direct correlation. In the tragedy, Hamlet, William Shakespeare incorporates the existential elements of the absurd, nothingness, and freedom into the events and characters allowing for an emotional response from the audience.
To begin, the element of logical reasoning and its subjective weakness on the human mind becomes exposed…

formulating new hypotheses and formulas that can help them in changing their interpretations. Individuals continue to search for answers to their questions so that newer changes for the better can be brought to life (Ryckman, 2007, p. 623).
Conclusion
Existential psychology deals with the failure of the modern society in understanding the importance of their responsibilities and to deal with these responsibilities. Care, love and will are three important concepts that have been intermingled by the sex-based…

The Humanistic-Existential Perspective
The humanistic-existential perspective is both a reaction to and an outgrowth of the psychodynamic perspective. These thinkers refer to psychodynamic theory as inadequate, many were repulsed with its tendency to break down the "whole" person into discrete components, and, the idea of adapting to one's society, however questionable its values. Most importantly, they disagree that human action is beyond the individuals control, in fact they believe that…

Yalom's Perspective of Existential Therapy
Existential therapy through the eyes of Dr. Yalom is very fascinating. There is never a fixed life that each person is supposed to live. In his therapy the clients are allowed to find out for themselves what it is they need by receiving adequate questioning from Dr. Yalom. His questioning guides them down the existential path to freedom and responsibility.
"If we affirm life and live in the present as fully as possible, however, we will not be…

Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories
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PSY/405
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University
Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories
In a perfect world, there would only be one, if not two different types of personality theories that psychologists would have to choose from in order to diagnose and treat their patients with, but variety, as they say, is the spice of life. In addition to that of psychodynamic personality theories, another set of equally important, and perhaps more interesting…

Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories
Many theorists have dedicated their lives trying to figure out how the personality of a person is shaped. While the theories presented have brought up interesting and valid points on what causes personality, there are others that have taken a different approach to its study. There is the Humanistic-Dynamic theory by Abraham Maslow, the Person-Centered theory by Carl Rogers, and the Existential Psychology made popular by Rollo May.
Analyze how humanistic…

problems of meaningless as an important issue and expressed their thoughts though existentialist literature to amend its problem. One of the most attributed philosophers to existentialism, Jean-Paul Sartre contested the problems of Nihilism though his existential writings. In being and nothingness, Sartre suggests that there might not be any prescribed meaning that gives the world a particular meaning but rather people create their own meaning though their actions. Famously attributed to Sartre is his quote…

bird" not to be caged?....no, she is an existential rogue. Truman Capote carefully handled the creation of this character and through her was able to elaborate on major existential themes. She is clearly one of Capote's most intricate characters and possibly, the greatest existential icon in both American literature and classical, American cinema . With this analysis, Holly Golightly must be broken down to obtain a further glance into the numerous existential elements she inhibits.
"It may be…

Finding an Existential Ethic
Existential philosophy is subject to a single, seemingly debilitating criticism: it comprises a frame of mind rather than a theory. As Mary Warnock argues in her book Existentialist Ethics, "It seems that to be attracted by Existentialism is to be attracted by a mood. When it comes to serious thought, one may find . . . that it is necessary to cast off the mood and start again" (57). The focus of the existentialist is on the individual, existing being. By…